NEP acquires Broadcast Sports International
December 10, 2018
Live sports and entertainment outsourced technical production partner NEP Group is acquiring Baltimore-based Broadcast Sports International (BSI), a specialist in the provision of broadcast-quality wireless audio-visual solutions for major television networks, sports leagues and other marquee customers around the world. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The addition of BSI is consistent with NEP’s stated strategy to become the worldwide leader in Broadcast Services. Camera capture, both traditional and wireless, is an important part of the broadcast value chain. BSI adds wireless capabilities to NEP’s growing line of Specialty Capture Services, which already includes Bexel’s specialised engineering systems and production solutions, as well as Fletcher’s specialty camera solutions, allowing NEP to offer clients a full range of broadcast services.
Founded in 1979 by an entrepreneurial team of engineers, BSI has a history of market leadership and deep, long-standing customer relationships. BSI is recognised as a leader in in-car cameras for nearly all international racing series, including NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA, and in wireless cameras and microphones for golf events.
The company has a proven track record in deploying wireless audio and video systems in the most challenging sports environments. BSI is fully licensed by the FCC for regular broadcast bands as well as for additional portions of the wireless spectrum for large events. BSI services more than 500 unique venues across the globe, including 200+ golf courses and 100+ auto-racing venues. The company serves the international sports broadcast market via its US and London offices.
“We’ve worked alongside BSI’s team for years and share a great deal of respect for their high-quality work and technology,” said Mike Werteen, Global President, NEP Broadcast Services. “BSI and NEP share similar service-oriented cultures centred on delivering exceptional results for our clients, so this is a great fit all around. We’re excited to bring their cutting-edge wireless solutions and talent into the NEP Worldwide Network and to our clients.”
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at BSI. Combining our wireless talents and technology with an industry leader like NEP will take our business even further and, most importantly, it will benefit our clients by enabling us to provide them with a full suite of broadcast and specialty services” said Jeremy Pink, President of BSI.
The BSI brand will remain in the market and will support NEP and its clients across the globe. Pink and Peter Larsson of BSI’s senior management team will continue to run the business, reporting to Werteen.